Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

What worked:

The story has an effective hook right from the beginning as page one informs readers a black doglike creature tries to eat Christopher while page two lets us know someone is trying to murder Mal. Details aren’t shared until a little later but readers are immediately captured by curiosity. The early chapters alternately tell the stories of the two characters until their separate paths converge. All kinds of animals are drawn to Christopher like a magnet which leads to teasing from classmates and strange stares from adults. Mal also has a connection with animals and she defies her father’s wishes by flying into the air with her magical coat. A baby griffin eventually brings the two characters together and adds an adorable animal to the cast.

The plot begins as an adventure to find out why magical creatures are dying in the Archipelago. They all need the power of the glimourie, magic emanating from the first tree, but it’s slowly disappearing. All signs point to the absence of the Immortal, the caretaker of the tree. An Immortal will always exist as its death will result in a new one arising somewhere in the Archipelago. An innovative twist arises as the Immortal isn’t always human. Consequently, no one knows where to find the new Immortal or what form it will take. Will it be a centaur, dryad, another human, or something else entirely? Christopher and Mal must locate the new Immortal to save the glimourie from disappearing.

Young readers will be delighted to see all kinds of mythical, magical creatures such as unicorns, mermaids, and manticores. Some of the animals are safe and helpful while others, like the kraken, are aggressive and can destroy ships or eat humans. Christopher and Mal are assisted by a Berzerker whose ship is navigated by a small creature called a ratatoska. Along the way, the kids face a dragon that threatens to eat them but later becomes an ally. The survival of all creatures, both in the Archipelago and the Otherworld, depends on Mal and Christopher succeeding in their quest. Ironically, some of the beasts don’t know that killing the pair will result in their own deaths.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot doesn’t have everything work nicely and neatly as in many other books. Young readers might be surprised and upset when some characters are seriously injured or die in the course of events. A couple of main characters are among the casualties. However, the real world doesn’t always work out as people plan and this story is a reminder. The loss of characters helps to stress the importance of the conflict and adds suspense to the book.

The final verdict:

The author develops an imaginative story that blends magical creatures with a dire quest for survival. The narrative is written with highly descriptive, colorful language that adds to the reader’s pleasure. This book will be a sure hit and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

Keeping Pace by Laurie Morrison

What worked:

This story follows the emotional ups and downs of Grace’s life as she prepares to enter high school. As the synopsis states, middle school found her obsessed with trying to out-perform her former best friend Jonah only to finish second to him for the highest academic award. Then, Jonah informs her that he’ll be attending a different high school in the fall so Grace won’t have a chance to continue their rivalry. He’s won! Grace is so fixated on beating Jonah that she doesn’t realize how it’s affecting her social life. Her cousin Avery stops inviting her to hang out with their friends since Grace almost always says she’s busy studying for an exam or working on a project. She’s so consumed with defeating Jonah that maybe she’s failed to notice they might be friends.

The confusion created by adolescent hormones and tricky relationships with other people are very common at this age and Grace finds herself thrown into the thick of it. Jonah starts to become a little less annoying and Grace allows him to run with her. They chat during their workouts without upsetting each other and they’re able to reveal feelings and experiences they’ve kept hidden. Grace and Avery have always been super close, they were born only a couple of days apart, but Grace wonders if entering high school might change their connection. Grace begins to notice Avery is hanging out with other people at the pool and she’s worried she may be losing her cousin. Also, Avery has a new boyfriend and is busy with high school soccer practices which leaves less time for her to hang out with Grace. Can their relationship withstand the new challenges?

Grace and Jonah don’t have fathers living with them but for different reasons. Grace’s parents are divorced and her father has been dating another woman. Grace is hurt that he doesn’t have much time for her anymore and babysitting his new girlfriend’s son will be a new experience. Grace’s mother and sister are “two peas in a pod” which leaves Grace feeling like she’s the odd person out. Jonah’s father died around the same time Grace’s parents were splitting up and he’s still dealing with the emotional loss. Grace wants to be supportive since they were once best friends but their past battles and teasing remarks make it challenging to talk about feelings. Things seem to be improving between the pair until Grace’s list of summer goals blows up in her face.

What didn’t work as well:

The focus on boy-girl relationships and running long distances may not appeal to a wide audience. However, the author captures the emotional confusion of girls at this age and the many challenging situations they may encounter. The running parts of the story act as a thread that connects the entire plot.

The final verdict:

This book should appeal to middle-grade girls as it addresses a variety of common experiences. The death of a parent or divorce is caringly included along with the potentially traumatic feelings of first love. Overall, I recommend you give this tender story a shot.

The Mighty Onion by Mark Crilley

What worked:

The story goes through the creative process of writing/drawing a comic book. The book is formatted to share the steps Eliot goes through from generating ideas to the “published” final product. The artwork depicts different types of paper as his concepts get more serious. The pictures show he begins writing on a notepad, then notebook paper, until he is finally able to purchase some quality drawing paper. Eliot realizes his weakness is drawing so he enlists the help of a classmate, Pam. Their interactions are shown on torn pieces of paper as they pass notes during class. Each completed episode of The Mighty Onion is presented as a comic strip spread over multiple pages.

The majority of the conflict takes place within Eliot’s character as he strives to make his comic about the Mighty Onion a smash hit. His character lacks humility and he thinks all of his ideas are the best. He ignores any criticism and is infuriated when Pam tries to change a couple of things without telling him. Pam’s artwork is a huge step up from Eliot’s attempts at drawing but he never shares a compliment or a thank you to her. Pam is well aware of this fact and Eliot’s inability to notice social cues makes the problem even larger.

The plot includes a touch of humor which must be expected in a story about a Mighty Onion. How many scientists would take radioactive onions and toss them out the window? Eliot’s warped sense of reality will have readers shaking their heads as he makes the situation with Pam worse and worse. The creative process in his mind will show that he has even poorer ideas about the Mighty Onion than the ideas that make it into the comic. The Mighty Onion is eventually paired with Guinea Pig Girl as she flies around in her Guinea Copter. The light-hearted narrative will keep readers amused and entertained.

What didn’t work as well:

The strangeness of The Mighty Onion may not excite some readers but the real story centers on the relationship between Eliot and Pam. The varied format of the narrative through notes, comics, and journals is not normal in most novels but it presents it in an interesting way.

The final verdict:

I was not immediately eager to read a book about a radioactive onion but Eliot’s transformation into a more compassionate person is quite interesting. The unique presentation adds an innovative twist to story-telling and should appeal to most middle-grade readers. Overall, this book is a pleasure to read and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Lightcasters (Umbra Tales 1) by Janelle McCurdy

What worked:

Umbra are creatures made from shadows and starlight that can be ferocious fighters. They can change their sizes and they wield sharp teeth and claws. Most of them have yellow eyes but umbras with red eyes are unnatural and dangerous. Some of the umbra can be tamed and become loyal partners with their tamers. If a person fails to tame the umbra it might eat their soul. The pair are connected mentally and the beasts can project messages into the minds of other humans. Mia’s parents have umbras that can be found lying around the house when they’re not out defending the wall surrounding the city. Mia’s attempt to join with an umbra has unexpected consequences.

Mia is the main character and the opening pages of the book share an incident from her childhood that scars her for years. She sneaks outside the wall one day and is almost killed by a red-eyed umbra. This experience leaves her fearful and leery around umbras which adds a complication to her character. She’s destined to become a great umbra tamer who will rescue the kingdom from the Reaper King and his minions. It’s much more difficult to bond with umbras when the character feels distressed around them. What happens when the character doesn’t want to make a connection or doesn’t want to become the savior of the kingdom?

The author creates a contrast in settings as shadows take over most of the kingdom. The first half of the book is dismal with the only natural light supplied by the moon. This dreary setting lacks color and reminds me of the opening, black-and-white scenes from “The Wizard of Oz” movie. Later, the characters arrive in the capital city Stella which is reminiscent of when Dorothy wakes up in the land of Oz. Vibrant colors offer a stark difference from the earlier chapters and almost overwhelm Mia. The author’s descriptions artfully paint mental images to show how the shadows are taking over the kingdom.

What didn’t work as well:

I don’t want to share any spoilers so I’ll just say Mia’s lightcaster powers are confusing. She has trouble controlling them but she receives something later in the book that is supposed to help. She still struggles to defeat a minion before a showdown during the book’s climax. The learning or growth in her abilities is unclear.

The final verdict:

This book tells a fun, exciting adventure of a young girl who must unlock her latent powers to save the kingdom. Her character displays humbleness through it all as the enormous responsibility takes a mental and emotional toll. Overall, this book should appeal to middle-grade readers and I recommend you give it a shot.

Shock the Monkey (The N.O.A.H. Files 2) by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman

whatWhat worked:

Noah can manifest characteristics of all the animals on Earth since his body contains all of their DNA. He can summon the strength of a bear or elephant, swing from trees like a monkey, or escape from danger as a bird. Transforming into various animals adds interest and unpredictability to his character but readers can also learn about these characters. Learning about animals that can secrete poison, change colors and patterns, or survive with little oxygen may be new to young readers. These qualities come in very handy as Noah encounters many dangerous challenges.

The authors utilize a humorous tone throughout the narrative which adds levity to the adventure. Noah’s “sister” Andi is an android character with super intelligence and she’s able to camouflage herself as a suitcase. Conversations between Noah and Andi can become comical. Noah’s friend Ogden is a brainy human but his sense of appropriate behavior and talk needs work. The kids visit a little old lady and end up soaring through space in her house. Aliens kidnap a girl from her pool party after using baby pacifiers to immobilize the adults. A planet’s main problem is that it’s become an intergalactic, toxic waste dump. Finally, Noah’s character can present funny situations when he unexpectedly displays animal traits.

I sometimes get annoyed when authors use multiple settings but these authors effectively separate the main characters. Noah is ejected into an escape pod, Ogden and Sahara ride the house rocket to its end, and Andi is stranded by herself. Noah’s journey allows him to meet another N.O.A.H. and provides more information about their potential futures. This new character has the same ability as Noah but its animals come from another planet. Ogden and Sahara arrive on the planet Claire where they uncover a malevolent scheme. Ogden has a crush on the character Claire and he’s determined to rescue his future girlfriend (even if she doesn’t feel the same way).

What didn’t work as well:

The humor of the book may not appeal to serious readers. The situations and wordplay can get wacky and absurd which some readers don’t appreciate.

The final verdict:

You might want to read the first book to fully understand the backstory of N.O.A.H. Noah’s ability to become different animals is entertaining and educational and the amusing tone of the story keeps things light. Overall, this is a fun book to read and I recommend you give it a shot.

Worst Broommate Ever (Middle School and Other Disasters 1) by Wanda Coven

What worked:

Most kids don’t attend boarding school like Heidi but everyone must deal with meeting new classmates. She has the added pressure of living away from home so she doesn’t have the daily support of her family. Heidi must learn new routines and touring the large school can be overwhelming. Walking into a crowded cafeteria on the first day of middle school is intimidating as students search for friendly faces. Heidi and young readers will share these experiences which this character relatable.

Bullies and rivalries aren’t unusual for middle-school readers but this book adds some new twists. Heidi thought attending boarding school would leave her nemesis and bully behind but they’re assigned as roommates. Heidi doesn’t know why Melanie has hated her since second grade but attending a new school hasn’t helped. The story is told from Heidi’s point of view so readers know immediately that she won’t give Melanie any ammunition to tease her about. The competition is on. However, readers only get one side of the story as they don’t know what Melanie is thinking. The book reveals that the two girls have many things in common but Heidi’s defensiveness won’t let her consider that they might become friends.

The book offers a special focus on friendship. Heidi is ecstatic when she sees an old friend is also at camp and the two girls quickly find comfort in each other. Sunny has a nice roommate and all three girls are delighted to discover they’re all witches. Sunny thinks Heidi is a wonderful friend but she tells Heidi when things are getting out of control. Forgiveness and understanding are important between friends and Heidi and her classmates demonstrate these qualities toward each other. Later, uncomfortable circumstances require Heidi to withhold judgment toward others and force her to listen and communicate.

What didn’t work as well:

The author uses different-sized fonts in the narrative but it’s overdone; small, medium, and large. At first, readers might assume the font grows larger to emphasize the words but that doesn’t always fit what’s being said. I assume the author has a reason but it’s distracting trying to figure out what it might be.

The final verdict:

This book will be most popular for middle-grade girls since boys play a minor role in the plot. Heidi’s vulnerability and uncertainty will resonate with young readers and her rivalry with Melanie adds a familiar conflict to follow. Overall, this book offers an entertaining trip in the mind of a girl entering middle school and I recommend you give it a shot.

Conjure Island by Eden Royce

This book is a finalist for a 2023 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction.

What worked:

Del is unaware she possesses conjure magic but her character still presents hints that something strange is happening on the island. She gets sensations that someone is staring at her but she can’t spot anybody when she looks around. She later sees a shadowy shape that no one else notices. Del’s afraid to say anything because others might think she’s strange or won’t believe her. Del is the reason the group protection spell didn’t work so she doesn’t want to draw any attention. The worries she feels about fitting in continue and affect many of her poor decisions.

The story promotes a strong sense of family and heritage even though the connections in Del’s family are damaged. Del’s mother died during childbirth and Del’s now separated from her gramma for the first time, missing her dearly. Del’s now spending time with her great-grandmother, Nana Rose, who runs the conjure school. Gramma never told Del about Nana Rose and Del doesn’t understand why. Gramma and Nana Rose haven’t spoken in forty years and Del is determined to find out what happened and fix the problem. She’s lived a life of moving around with a military father and her innermost desire is to have a stable home and family. The purpose of Conjure Island is to preserve the heritage of its people and it offers Del an opportunity to bring peace into the lives of those she loves.

The tone of the book is very positive which is refreshing in middle-grade literature. Del fears how she’ll be treated by the others and readers might anticipate she’ll be bullied. That doesn’t happen. Eva immediately befriends her and offers to help Del transition into the conjuring world. Even when Del messes up, multiple times, Eva supports her and will do whatever is needed. The teachers, or sorcells, are understanding of Del’s situation and frustrations and they constantly provide encouraging words. Del is rescued from a couple of dangerous predicaments but she’s not severely disciplined by Nana Rose. Readers won’t find any big egos or characters with hidden agendas to create drama as the whole plot centers on healing Del’s family.

What didn’t work as well:

Nana Rose has everyone perform a protection spell when the camp first starts but the actual threat is unclear. It seems like the danger must be more than ravaging wild boars but it’s still a mystery at the end of the book. The potential conflict simmers in the background throughout the story.

The final verdict:

The author allows readers to use their imaginations to make predictions which result in some surprises near the end. The overall story is pleasant with moments of suspense when Del makes bad choices. I recommend you give the book a shot.

The Demon Sword Asperides by Sarah Jean Horwitz

This book is a finalist for a 2023 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction.

What worked:

The most innovative aspect of the book is having a demon sword as a main character, able to mentally communicate with a human main character named Nack. Asperides has been around for centuries and it’s used to being paired with ruthless, power-hungry men. Its primary goal is to trap captured souls and send them into the depths of the underworld. Asperides draws magical power from these souls which it uses to slay and reek chaos. An intriguing twist occurs when a wanna-be young knight in training becomes the sword’s new partner to rescue two female knights in danger. Readers will wonder what’s going to happen when a kind, young boy becomes the partner of a rare, terrifying demon sword.

Nack battles an internal conflict throughout the plot. He displays compassion for an enemy early on but he’s shunned by his family for the kind act. His major motivation after that is obtaining an angel blade, completing a brave quest, and then being welcomed back into his family. However, Asperides calls Nack a coward when the boy fails to decisively kill human opponents and Nack suffers from self-doubt. He still stands up for defenseless women and children by slaying demon creatures and he tries to behave kindly toward others. His ultimate goal is to be welcomed back home but he’s shocked when he enters the castle of the family’s nemesis to rescue his older brother. Despite being the master of a demon sword, the anguish, confusion, and insecurity within Nack’s mind add complexities to the story.

The conflict tying the entire plot together involves Asperides’s former, undead master and his plan to return to power. Amyral schemes to regain possession of the demon sword and retrieve his soul from the deepest depths of hell. Readers will wonder what will happen since Nack and Amyral have been partnered with the same sword. Who is the rightful master of Asperides? Amyral’s plot will culminate when the Missing Moon returns after two thousand years so the story has a built-in countdown clock. Amyral is aided by a young necromancer and her presence contributes additional twists to the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

Some readers might question the pace of the plot and Nack sometimes comes across as whiny. However, readers must appreciate the evolution of the characters in addition to the quest to stop Amyral. There’s no continuous action and the battles aren’t overly descriptive but the changes in personalities, attitudes, and self-images are what’s important.

The final verdict:

Nack, Asperides, and others are dynamic characters and undergo realizations and transformations throughout the book. Their emotional adventures will engross young readers as they try to stop Amyral from releasing swarms of demons from the underworld. Overall, this is an innovative twist on familiar middle-grade quests and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett

This book is a finalist for the 2023 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction.

What worked:

Grace’s colorful, descriptive, inquisitive language is a highlight of the book as she likes to use advanced words, even if she’s not certain of their meanings. The expressive language makes some passages almost poetic and the introduction to every chapter begins with actual lines of verse from famous writers like Emily Dickinson and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Friends is a lovely word with its secret, silent e in the middle and scullion is a wonderful term Grace calls the bully in her class. Grace has a deep love for poetry and she often reads poems about birds to her crow named Windweaver. Grace’s incessant questions are irritants for the witch but they also provide amusing interactions for readers. Her negotiating skills regarding the witch’s wager to perform 100 ½ spells is unexpected considering the witch already intends to steal Grace’s magic. Grace’s reactions to the witch’s salty disposition are priceless as she often ignores the witch’s intentions and shares positive, enthusiastic comments.

Readers may find the witch perplexing due to her unpredictable and mysterious character. She lets insults and disparaging remarks fly when she first meets Grace and reproaches Grace when she tries to perform spells. The witch can let loose with angry rants one minute but later walk weakly to bed, nursing a cough. She admits to doing some terrible things in her life, like changing her little brother into a rain cloud, and doesn’t offer any help as Grace tries to correctly perform the grimoire’s spells. Later, Grace is shocked when the witch doesn’t reprimand her and the witch actually offers a compliment! Readers will recognize the changes in the witch’s character but there always seems to be something unspoken going on in her mind.

Grace’s cast of friends slowly grows and it’s a motley mix of characters. Everything is wonderful to the curious Grace when compared to the boredom she experienced at the orphanage. Windweaver is Grace’s longest, most loyal friend but he is troubled by how other crows bully him. Sareena lives at the farm next door and she’s been desperate to find a close friend. Sareena finds it difficult to share Grace’s attention and fears she’ll lose a best friend again. Sareena’s little sister likes to pretend she’s invisible and it’s fun to see other characters indulge her wishes. Grace rescues a fairy named Rum and their relationship is unusual. They frequently grumble and complain around each other but it’s clear that much of that is for show. The class bully named Poppy has a score to settle with Grace and ambushes her in the woods. However, things don’t go as planned and their encounter results in a surprising transformation.

What didn’t work as well:

Some readers might want a little more closure in the resolution of the plot. They’ll need to speculate about what happens to Grace as several events transpire as the story nears its climax. There may have been too many things happening.

The final verdict:

The author artfully crafts the story of a young witch, desperate to find a home, that slowly evolves into an emotional tale of love and friendship. Grace is a delightful, energetic character who will endear herself to young readers. Overall, this is a marvelous book and I highly recommend you give it a shot!

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom by Nina Varela

This book is a finalist for a 2023 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction.

What worked:

June’s anxiety over being the new kid in school will be relatable to many middle-grade students. Unlike many books for this age group, bullying isn’t a big issue. June doesn’t understand how to approach classmates so she avoids interactions with potential friends. A lack of confidence is holding June back but her supportive mother convinces her to take chances and everything changes once she attends the school dance. Sam and Ollie immediately accept although they have no idea of the adventure they’ve gotten themselves into.

Princess Galatea appears in June’s room and thinks June is a goddess. June has no godly powers and has never heard of Kypros, the world where Galatea lives, so the whole thing sounds absurd. However, both girls have been having similar dreams for the past month and June has been drawing sketches of Galatea from her visions. June has feelings for Galatea so she develops uncomfortable thoughts whenever they’re together. It’s uncertain if Galatea feels the same way so the situation remains June’s internal conflict for much of the story. Middle-grade readers are just beginning to explore their relationships with the different genders so many of them will be able to relate with June’s emotions and confusion.

Kypros is slowly vanishing so the main conflict finds Galatea trying to save her kingdom. She needs to find the Crown of Horn in order to return to her world. June’s dream of a Kypros goddess being stabbed is cryptic since June never sees the face of the robed assailant. Galatea is certain it must be the Dreamtender. The image comes to June while she’s asleep and the Dreamtender wants to get revenge by retrieving her Crown of Horn. This plot appears to be straightforward there’s more of a mystery involved. Readers may notice clues along the way but the entire true story isn’t revealed until the climax.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s a bit of a disconnect in the plot since the main conflict is happening in another world. The story doesn’t directly address saving Kypros until the book nears the end. Most of the book finds the characters gathering pieces of the Crown of Horn but that will only allow Galatea to return to Kypros.

The final verdict:

Much of the story concerns the issues within June’s mind as she learns to deal with different relationships. The quest to save Kypros connects the overall story and it becomes a bit of a mystery. I recommend you give this book a shot. 

The Rhythm of Time by Questlove and S.A. Crosby

This book is a finalist for a 2023 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction.

What worked:

The simplicity of the plot quickly becomes much more complicated. Rahim is accidentally transported to 1997 and his sole motivation is getting back to the present without disrupting history. Fortunately for young readers, Rahim fails miserably when it comes to being unnoticed after he befriends Omar, his future father. The most interesting aspect of the story is how Rahim gets to see a different side of the adults in his life. His father, uncle, and grandparents display young lives that are in stark contrast to the adults he’s grown up with. Adults often have dreams and interests as kids that they’re forced to give up when they start careers and families. Rahim is able to witness the changes in people he knows and it affects his understanding of them in the end.

Kasia is Rahim’s home-schooled, best friend and neighbor and she’s a technological genius. She builds a cell phone that ties into government satellites and accidentally transports Rahim into the past. She also builds a small drone that can follow less specific instructions and can become invisible by going into stealth mode. Her bedroom looks like a computer geek’s dream until government agents confiscate all of her equipment. Career scientists and Noble prize winners spend lifetimes trying to understand transporting and time travel but twelve-year-old Kasia successfully masters the concepts. Her conversations with 1997 Rahim contribute humor to the book.

Young readers may connect with the musical references throughout the whole story. Rahim comes up with freestyle verses and he loves an older-generation group Four the Hard Way, an actual band. Rahim gets favorable responses when he posts one of his songs but its success makes him the target of the school bully. Traveling to the past opens Rahim’s eyes to the fact that his father and uncle share his interest in music. Weaving the culture of this music into a successful adventure through time travel requires creative talent from the author.

What didn’t work as well:

Believability is a challenging part of this book. Much of the story is reasonable, in a speculative fiction manner, but some of Kasia’s creations are a stretch. Even if she comes up with innovative ideas, how does she amass the materials to actually pull them off? Also, the appearance of vortexes creates suspense but they allow the characters plenty of time to resolve the problem.

The final verdict:

Helping a young person develop an understanding of the adults in his life is the most endearing part of the book. It addresses the paradoxes of time travel head-on resulting in an entertaining adventure into the past. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien

What worked:

This book is a finalist for a 2023 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction.

The Bellwoods Game provides a fresh twist to spooky ghost stories. There’s no haunted house where characters find themselves trapped but the three participants in the Bellwoods Game cannot leave the forest until the game has been completed. Failure to ring the bell will result in a spirit being freed to torment the town until next Halloween. Adding to the mystery is the fact that survivors from previous years can’t/won’t talk about their experiences so readers are left to imagine what’s going on. The Specter comments that humans fear the unknown and often make it a bigger threat than what’s real. However, that’s not true in this book. The reality inside the forest is far worse than the characters ever dreamed.

The author includes several subplots involving the characters that generate emotional connections to them. Bailee is the main character and she’s been ostracized at school for several weeks. The author doesn’t reveal what happened right away so readers are free to speculate about what’s going on. Madison is the one person still talking to Bailee but even she has become more distant since the incident. Noah is present for most of the narrative as he’s doggedly inquisitive and wants to write an article about the Bellwoods Game. He’s a new student but remembers issues at his previous school that still trouble him. Carmen is a know-it-all classmate who no one really talks to or tries to befriend. Fen has been taking reckless risks recently and it becomes clear that he’s dealing with internal conflicts too. Even the specter called Abigail has unresolved problems that will need to be resolved.

The author skillfully builds suspense as the plot moves toward the climax pitting Bailee against the antagonist. Readers will note clues and become aware of what’s going to happen so the plot becomes a question of when they will occur. The Specter can attack by altering the forest and victims must sacrifice something they cherish to escape safely. Characters are going to be separated and “picked off” one by one so readers are left to wonder who’s next and how will it happen. Three sixth graders are supposed to enter the woods and attempt to ring the bell but the author includes two more non-participants to provide two more potential victims. In addition, Bailee wants to end the Bellwoods Game for good so readers can speculate how she might accomplish this impossible task.

What didn’t work as well:

Bailee isn’t able to share the truth about her feelings with others and it’s not clear why. It makes sense that she couldn’t do it when her classmates first started shunning her but it makes less sense as she begins to bond with other game participants. Fen treats her unfairly and Noah reveals some truths about his past experiences but she still won’t say anything about the problems bothering her. Readers will already know about them so why won’t she say anything to the other characters?

The final verdict:

This book presents an entertaining ghost tale with many twists and turns along the way. As with most exciting climaxes, the characters are left to formulate a plan to solve an impossible conflict. The climax is the most creative part of the plot and I recommend you give this book a shot. 

The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist by Anders Sparring

What worked:

The contrast in values between Theo and the rest of his family creates an amusing conflict. Theo cannot lie and gets a stomachache whenever he tries. He refuses to steal and feels stressed when he’s aware of his family’s thieving ways. His parents are crooks, his little sister wants to become a crook, and his grandmother lives in jail for being a crook. Living in that environment forces Theo to frequently deal with opposing emotions. He loves his family but he abhors breaking the law.

The book includes some interesting features that will appeal to emerging and reluctant readers. The opening pages present pictures and descriptions of each main character. Almost every page has a color illustration to enhance the story and help readers visualize the events. After the resolution, the author provides a short quiz to help readers recall important events and they can read the first chapter of the book’s sequel. Some fun pages allow readers to create their criminal names and determine the type of criminals that best fit them. It’s all in fun!

What didn’t work as well:

The synopsis reveals way too much information. The narrator recounts events in the plot but it doesn’t enhance the story with description or character development. Consequently, the book can be read in one sitting or a couple of days for those who need more time.

The final verdict:

The humorous tone and abundant pictures make the story more approachable and young readers will hopefully appreciate Theo’s honesty. This book is a quick read that should appeal to kids learning to read or those without the stamina to read for an extended time.

A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig

What worked:

Caleb’s difficulty fitting in may resonate with some young readers. He’s warned that he needs to wear a Halloween costume to school but he refuses. He’s okay with his decision but it doesn’t make the hallway stares and bullying any easier. He then chooses to wear creative “costumes” based on puns and wordplay. For example, he glues plastic coins on his shirt and calls himself a quarterback. Caleb’s father has passed away and Caleb misses him dearly. He promised his father that he’d take care of his mother so Caleb feels like he must keep all of his pain to himself. He doesn’t want to worry her so he keeps his sorrow and insecurities bottled up inside.

Tai becomes Caleb’s best friend and she’s the most interesting character. She’s embraced the concept of the town celebrating Halloween year-round as she’s dressed as a fairy when Caleb first meets her. She’s also thrilled when Caleb thinks the zombie mannequin on her porch is really “alive”. She’s most upset that her parents’ idea to start a shop featuring things to ward off the supernatural, like holy water, wooden stakes, and amulets, was not granted a permit by the town. Tai convinces Caleb to partner with her on a class project where they’ll investigate the mayor and the town’s reasons for not supporting her parents’ plan. Despite the dangers they uncover, Caleb realizes he doesn’t want to flee Samhain and Tai and lose the closest friends he’s ever had.

The author tries to leave room for doubt but it’s quickly evident that real monsters are living in Samhain. Caleb suspects this right away but he’s forced to find ways to convince Tai and his mom; he won’t tell his mom about any of it until he’s certain. How can he prove monsters are living in Samhain without endangering himself? What will happen to the town if the citizens realize vampires and werewolves are living among them? Caleb and Tai try to uncover the mystery but discover everyone in town who might have information has forgotten what they once knew. Caleb is surprised to discover the cause and the thought of the monsters watching him is unnerving. The author uses these events to create suspense as the plot counts down to Halloween.

What didn’t work as well:

The climax is a little anti-climactic as readers might expect more of a face-to-face confrontation. Caleb’s plan works but, surprisingly, there’s not more resistance as it unfolds.

The final verdict:

This book will be hugely popular for lovers of Halloween! Caleb versus the Samhain monsters is the main topic of the plot but his grief after losing his father and his budding friendship with Tai are equally engaging. Overall, this book will be enjoyed by most young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.

Dangerous Allies (The Forgotten Five 4) by Lisa McMann

What worked:

The author presents dramatic changes from what’s been happening in the previous three books. The biggest twist occurs when The Librarian sends an email to Lada and the other super kids saying she’s been secretly working with President Fuertes and has now officially switched sides. This announcement leaves a leadership void for the team and they struggle to figure out what they’ll do. Also, E-Kat and Troy leave Fuertes and have now decided to support Lada, Birdie, and the others. E-Kat, a super-strong woman, is an easy addition to the team but Troy comes with complications. He was a horrible father to Tenner growing up so Tenner is strongly against letting Troy in. Lada believes Troy has sincerely changed for the better but that doesn’t affect Tenner’s anger toward his father.

Most of the super team is comprised of tweens and they’re beginning to have unexplored feelings as they enter puberty. Birdie and Seven have been best friends for years but Seven is just now discovering that he like likes her. His invisibility comes in handy since Birdie can’t see him blushing. Tenner began having feelings for Lada in the last book but Troy’s presence has created some friction. Tenner can’t understand why Lada is ignoring his feelings as she chooses to support Troy and say nice things about him. Cabot is now realizing she wants to be thought of as a person, not a boy or a girl. She finally reveals this feeling to others and they readily support her. Gender identity can become an issue for middle-grade readers so Cabot’s character may be relatable to them.

The plot is building to a confrontation between Fuertes and Magadalia Palacio as they’re both running for president of Estero. Magadalia also happens to be Seven’s mother but she abandoned him as a child. That’s more family drama for the plot and the author saves another twist for later in the book. Fuertes has already shown that he’ll stop at nothing to win the election and it’s clear he’s planning something devious. He seems to be building an army of supers who are only in it for the money Fuertes has promised. This makes their loyalty shaky since they don’t believe in what Fuertes is doing. However, the author lets readers wonder throughout the book and won’t reveal Fuertes’s plans to disrupt the election until the plot nears its climax.

What didn’t work as well:

It gets a bit confusing since many of the characters, good and bad, know each other from the past. They’re easily accepted by their former foes and they’re still allowed to freely move about the city. It seems like Fuertes should be more concerned about spies meeting with their former friends which is exactly what happens.

The final verdict:

I recommend you read the previous books in the series to understand the attitudes and emotions of the various characters. This book sets the stage for a contentious election between Fuertes and Magadalia and the author leaves many questions and possibilities for readers to consider. Overall, this book shares an emotional story of supernatural characters and I recommend you give it a shot.

Galaxy Gladiators: A Stellar Cadets Novel by C.M. Bilson

What worked:

The book combines elements of science fiction with familiar details to make the story more relatable for young readers. In the opening chapter, Kai lives in Kalifornia which has sandy beaches along an ocean shore. He walks to his mom’s dojo after school where he practices martial arts and helps his mom instruct beginning students. After being transported to a space station somewhere among the stars, Kai is immediately given a translator so readers don’t need to learn any alien vocabulary from the strange characters. The author even has Kai buddy up with another human who helps him with fighting strategies.

The book contains abundant action as Kai is either training to fight or combating alien gladiators in the ring. A longtime, popular champion is killed in the first match which immediately lets Kai and readers know the possible, high-stakes consequences of losing. Most of the other fighters are larger, faster, or have more arms than Kai but his martial arts training may give him some advantages. Gladiators aren’t allowed to bring weapons into the ring but opponents’ large claws can still maim and execute just as well as knives.

Kai enlists the help of different characters who all share a strong desire to escape their captivity. One of his first new friends is an alien with flashing colors on her skin and a cheery disposition. Max is Kai’s fighting strategist and he’s a technology expert. Another character has a unique fighting skill as she’s able to disappear and then reappear to deliver damaging blows.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot moves quickly but that’s because it lacks much story and character development. The fast pace will appeal to many young readers. Also, Kai frequently gives himself mental pep talks saying he believes in himself and he will succeed. The message itself isn’t a problem but it loses its effect when it happens way too often. The messages become redundant.

The final verdict:

The book has oodles of action and the fast-paced plot will appeal to emerging readers. It’s fun, entertaining, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Rebel Undercover (The Forgotten Five 3) by Lisa McMann

What worked:

The main characters are children with some of them possessing supernatural abilities. Some of their parents have talents too that include x-ray vision, invisibility, and reading minds. However, the adults are performing heists for President Fuertes in other countries which creates conflicts for their kids. The children still love their parents but having them be criminals creates complications. The parents’ feelings for their kids range from love to indifference, to disdain which results in further mental/emotional problems. The children aren’t sure how to feel when they discover a parent they’d presumed dead turns out to still be alive. What will happen when the kids are finally forced to fight their mothers and fathers?

The biggest initial change is that Cabot leaves the team to rejoin her parents. This creates complications for her character and her friends. Cabot’s parents are nice enough but she’s strongly opposed to them working with Fuertes. Also, Cabot realizes she’s beginning to manifest a talent and readers will anxiously wait to learn what she can do with it. Cabot’s friends don’t know if she’ll ever come back to them so they aren’t sure if she’s now become an enemy. Later, Lada goes undercover by joining Fuertes’s supers hoping to discover information about their abilities and plans. Having these two characters live among the antagonists is intriguing and adds an element of tension and uncertainty to the plot.

A highlight of the story is the interpersonal relationships between the Forgotten Five and their friends. Birdie acts as team leader when The Librarian’s not around and her little brother Brix is very sensitive and wants to contribute. Seven and Birdie have been best friends for years so they’re always watching out for each other. Tenner is developing feelings for Lada but it’s not clear if she sees him the same way. Lada suffers from cerebral palsy so she’s forced to use a wheelchair or crutches to move around, although she’s started to perfect her ability to transport. The cerebral palsy causes pain in her legs and Tenner volunteers to stretch the muscles and rub out the soreness. The story has many questionable characters with shifting loyalties but Birdie’s team members are forever supportive and loyal.

What didn’t work as well:

There are a lot of characters to remember. Some of them have supernatural powers and some don’t. The parents, other adults, and kids present a large number of characters and it gets hard to quickly recall all of their backstories and the abilities they possess. Most of the adult supers seem to know each other and it’s strange to see “good guys” and “bad guys” interact civilly in public. It’s confusing when Fuertes’s supers talk about The Librarian with Lada when The Librarian is leading the efforts against the president.

The final verdict:

This book continues the series’ drama and controversy concerning the rights of citizens with supernatural abilities. The motivations of many characters are brought into question this time so readers will become engrossed with the unpredictability of their actions. The new powers emerging in several of the children add enjoyment and intrigue. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Mirror of Wolves (The Arcanium Book 2) by N.P. Thompson

What worked:

A prophecy describes the one who will defeat the evil sorcerer Gideon but it could be talking about Ty or Ayslenne. They’re both children of Arcania who were raised in the non-magical world. Many people believe Ty is the savior since his magic defeated Gideon in the first book but Ty wants to know for sure. He decides to leave the protective spells of his mentor to find a mythical relic that can reveal his destiny. This creates a dangerous, exciting conflict to drive the plot since Gideon has ordered his Black Guard to kill Ty. Will Ty’s desperation to understand the prophecy make him blind to the dangers that await?

Malachi is the leader of Gideon’s Guard and he’s been ordered to kill Ty. Malachi is wary of his boss’s wrath so he strategically avoids the sorcerer during his tantrums. However, Malachi allowed Ty to escape in the first book and Gideon won’t tolerate another failure. The author hints that Malachi has secret plans of his own so readers will need to question his motives. Is he loyal to Gideon or is he plotting to overthrow him? Malachi is a malevolent character but his anger and undisclosed plot make him unpredictable and interesting to read about.

Arcania is a world of magic and the author inserts a myriad of perils at every turn. Malachi and Gideon are obvious threats that remain present throughout the story. Rivers hide swarms of small, octopus-like creatures and wolves present the final obstacle before Ty reaches his destination. Dragons and trolls are possibilities as well as giant plants can quickly devour victims by drowning them in poisonous, digestive juices. Gideon has created a flying army by transforming young children into black crows so readers will know peril is near whenever one of the birds appears in the sky. Ty and his friends also encounter natural dangers in the form of waterfalls, winds, and mountains. These dangers create suspenseful adventures as Ty nears his goal.

What didn’t work as well:

The story is told from different points of view and most of the chapters follow Ty. Other chapters focus on Gideon, Malachi, Ty’s grandfather, the parents of Ty and Ayslenne, and other characters. The changes in settings, especially later in the plot, can become a distraction from Ty’s quest, kind of like watching commercials when you’re watching a favorite show.

The final verdict:

I recommend you read River of Crows before this one to fully understand what’s already happened with Ty’s character. The quest to find the magic mirror creates a good deal of tension and anticipation although astute readers will notice there’s still room for doubt regarding the prophecy. Overall, this is a fun series to read and I recommend you give it a shot.